06/16/2026
This amazing woman on the right, Tricia Rizzo, was in my art class from the time she was about 7 to about the age of 12. It was at the Boys and Girl’s Club in Dorchester, the neighborhood where I grew up. When I was 7 years old, attending St William’s Catholic School, Tricia’s mother, Peggi Rizzo, was my 2nd grade teacher. I credit Mrs Rizzo to letting me explore my art and my own ideas in a section of the classroom she designated as a sort of creative zone. A space where we could draw and make books. I loved Mrs Rizzo’s class! I love even more that almost 25 years later her daughter Tricia was in my art class for some of my happiest years of my teaching art to kids in Dorchester. Tricia went on to Boston Arts Academy and then to get a degree in architecture. She is now designing a major historic project in downtown Boston, the old Post Office which will one day be housing. On Friday night Tricia wandered into the gallery for a delightful surprise visit as we were kicking off our art opening for Julie Smith and Janine Evers…two more fantastic women. And let me not forget that the major reason I got to run into Tricia at 411, or show the work of so many wonderful women artists, or have such a strong connection to my own creative life force is that my mother Madelyn, who was an elementary art teacher, bought the house at 411 after raising nine kids and deciding it would be her time to paint. Another vital experience for me. So here’s to the women, the teachers, the artists and carrying forward that divine spark. The life force. Thanks Madelyn, Peggi, Tricia, Julie and Janine. Thanks to all those who encourage and lift us up.
❤️ Liz
